For Creative Teams & Organizations

Presence & Play Workshop

Acting Techniques for Teams

Great teams need more than good ideas—they need presence, deep listening, and the courage to take creative risks together. 

This isn't typical corporate training. It's active, playful, and grounded in the same techniques professional actors use to create authentic connection and take creative risks.

What Your Team Will Develop

Enhanced presence and active listening

Creative risk-taking and spontaneity

Stronger communication and collaboration

Trust and psychological safety

Comfort with uncertainty and improvisation

Ensemble thinking over individual performance

These skills don't just make better meetings—they unlock the kind of bold, collaborative thinking that leads to breakthrough ideas.

The Workshop Experience

This is experiential learning—your team on their feet, not in their seats. Through acting games, improvisation, and ensemble exercises, people try new ways of communicating and collaborating, and walk away with skills they can use the next morning.

A Safe Space for Risk-Taking

The best creative work happens when people feel safe to try, fail, and be a little vulnerable. I hold an environment where everyone can jump in fully—no judgment, no pressure to perform.

Active, Hands-On Work

No lectures, no slideshows. Your team will be moving, playing, and discovering by doing—because you can't think your way into presence, you have to practice it.

Accessible to Everyone

No acting experience required—really. The exercises meet people exactly where they are and invite everyone in, whether they love the spotlight or quietly dread it.

Skills That Transfer

This isn't about performing—it's about showing up more fully. The presence, listening, and creative courage your team builds here apply directly to meetings, pitches, and the hard conversations that move work forward.

Perfect For

Creative agencies and design teams

Marketing and innovation teams

Small businesses and startups seeking stronger collaboration

Leadership teams building trust and communication

Project teams navigating change or new challenges

Any group ready to unlock bolder ideas together

Chris Harder headshot

Why Choose This Workshop?


For 25 years I've worked as an actor, director, and coach—living inside real artistic practice, not adapting it secondhand for the boardroom. That's the difference you'll feel: these are the actual tools professional actors use to build presence and connection, brought to your team by someone who works in them every day.
What I've learned in all that time is that transformation only happens when people feel safe enough to risk it—so that's what I build first. People often arrive nervous and leave surprised by how easily they jumped in. That's not an accident; it's the craft.
I believe deeply in what ensemble work can do: it builds trust faster than any trust-fall, unlocks ideas that meetings never reach, and reminds a team what they're capable of when they truly show up for each other. If that's the shift you want for your team, let's talk.

What Participants Are Saying

“Thanks again for a workshop that was a stretch for me —beyond my comfort zone and experience and absolutely revivifying. You are an observant, insightful and skilled teacher. ”

— Alistair B. - Physician

“As a non-actor, I benefited tremendously. I've learned to be more fully present, confident, and emotionally available... which has led to an increased personal awareness.”

— Janea Dahl - Small Business Owner

“Chris has a kindheartedness and humility about him that naturally puts people at ease. I found that presence supportive.”

— Casey P. - Creative

Let's Design Your Workshop

Every team is different. During our initial call, we'll discuss your team's size, goals, and what you're hoping to achieve. Then I'll design a workshop tailored to your specific needs.

Step 1: Book a Team Workshop Call

We'll talk about your team's goals and whether this workshop is a good fit.

Step 2: Design the Workshop

I'll create a customized workshop based on your team's size, experience level, and objectives.

Step 3: Show Up & Play

Your team engages in active, collaborative exercises designed to strengthen presence, listening, and creative courage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do participants need acting experience?
Not at all. The workshop is designed for everyone, regardless of experience. The exercises are accessible and relevant to your team's actual work.
How many people can participate?
The workshop works well with 10-30 people. For larger groups, we can discuss options.
Where does the workshop take place?
In-person workshops can be held at your location or a venue we arrange together in the Portland area. Virtual options are also available.
How long is the workshop?
Workshops range from 2-4 hours. We can do a half-day session or a full-day experience depending on your goals and schedule.
What should participants wear?
Comfortable clothing they can move in. We do physical work, so think business casual or activewear rather than restrictive clothing.
Can the workshop be customized?
Absolutely. Every workshop is tailored to your team's goals, size, and experience level.
How much does it cost?
Pricing varies based on group size, workshop length, and location. We'll discuss this during our initial call.
How do we book?
Start by booking a Team Workshp Call. We'll discuss your needs and design a workshop that fits.

Let's Unlock What's Possible

Whether your team is navigating change, building trust, or ready to collaborate more boldly—I'd love to help you get there.

Still have questions? Contact me directly →